I have recently acquired an Audubon Bird Caller, mostly because I was curious about it and wanted to see how it worked. I know that it is North American, but has anyone had any success with its use here in Australia? I’ve done lots of experimenting with all the different sounds that it can make but so far, not a single bird has responded to any of them. I can get a better reaction and response by using my voice and pishing. I’ll be interested to see what people say and if any Aussie species are attracted by it. Cheers Brian & Meg ===============================
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I had one years ago and found it very good, but I lost it. The birding shop stopped selling them. Can you tell me where you got yours?
Thanks Paul.
Some pine trees weep lumps of sap which is really resin. If fully dry this can be crumbled to powder and used as rosin for an Audubon Bird Caller. You don’t need much. My ABC got crushed in a car door. I used to use it – quite effective on small birds providing you don’t mimic alarm calls. I didn’t replace it, because when using binocs I never have a spare hand, and the minute gap between my front teeth produces quite convincing squeaks.
Anthea Fleming
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They work really well for getting the attention of little birds like fairy-wrens and honeyeaters. Mine also attracted the feral squirrels at Perth Zoo. I went through two of the things (both fell apart) and now I just use my lips to make a pishy sound, works the same.
Carb soda works just as well as rosin, and is a lot easier to come by.
Belinda Greenmount, Perth
You mean the red wooden thing on a spindle that you twist and make a squeaking sound? I’ve got one somewhere, but I’ve never actually used it! I think it’s run out of rosin but I’ve got some spare for a violin bow.
I understand that some birds really react well and others don’t. Like pishing, which drives Spinebills nuts, but has nil effect on Powerful Owls.
I’ve tried.
Bill
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